So I did the one brave thing I know how to do, which is make a phone call and not tell anyone.”

He had tracked down Renee, who happened to be passing through Ohio on a road trip, and asked her to come for dessert.

Insurance.

He’d thought bringing the only person alive who had ever successfully stood up to Sandra might keep a lid on the explosion.

He looked down at his calloused hands.

“I budgeted for a screaming match, Whit.